Club-record signing Nick Woltemade announced himself in style with the decisive goal on his Newcastle United debut, sealing a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and delivering Eddie Howe’s side their first Premier League victory of the season.
The 23-year-old German striker, signed from Stuttgart in a £69m deal on 30 August, was thrust straight into the starting XI at St James’ Park following the shock Deadline Day departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Nick Woltemade wheels away in celebration after scoring the winner against Wolves
While fellow new recruit Yoane Wissa missed out with a knee injury sustained on international duty, Woltemade ensured the Toon Army quickly forgot their former hero with a commanding display.
Instant Impact
His breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Peeling away from Wolves defender Emmanuel Agbadou, Woltemade met Jacob Murphy’s lofted cross at the far post and powered a bullet header beyond goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who had replaced the dropped José Sá.
The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and provided Newcastle with the platform they needed after a frustrating start to the campaign.
The towering forward’s presence and movement gave Newcastle a new dimension in attack.
Just before half-time, Sandro Tonali nearly doubled the lead with a 20-yard strike that cannoned off the inside of the post, while Murphy and Harvey Barnes stretched Wolves’ defence with relentless running down the flanks.
Wolves’ Struggles Continue
For Wolves, the defeat was a bitter blow in a season that is already threatening to unravel. Vítor Pereira’s side began brightly, forcing two excellent early saves from Nick Pope to deny Rodrigo Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan.
But after conceding, their momentum faded and they struggled to regain a foothold.
The result means Wolves have lost their opening four league matches for the first time in their history, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table and piling pressure on Pereira, who is still searching for his first points since taking charge in the summer.
A New Hero at St James’
At full-time, however, all the talk belonged to Woltemade; signed to fill the void left by Isak’s £125m departure, the German international quickly endeared himself to supporters with his work rate, aerial dominance and the decisive moment of quality that secured three vital points.
“Nick was outstanding today,” Howe said afterwards. “He gave us a real focal point, worked tirelessly and took his chance brilliantly. For a debut performance, it doesn’t get much better.”
The victory lifts Newcastle to ninth in the table, easing early-season concerns and injecting fresh optimism into their campaign.
For Wolves, meanwhile, the search for answers continues as they face the prospect of a relegation fight unless results improve quickly.